Get permission to work on protected trees and trees in conservation areas

If you want to apply for permission to work on a tree, we strongly advise that you speak to a tree surgeon first.

Use the Arboricultural Association Approved Contractor Directory to find a tree surgeon. Qualified trees surgeons should have public and employer liability insurance and a waste disposal licence.

There are specific rules for different types of tree and woodland work. We may reject your form if the information provided is not correct. We can't visit your site before you apply.

Check if a tree is protected.

If you want to carry out works to a protected tree, you must apply for permission in writing – verbal consent for work is not given. You can do this online via the Planning Portal.

To access the application form, sign in, select ‘start new application’, then select ‘an application for works to trees that are under a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) and/or notification of proposed tree works within a conservation area’.

Information required

To support your application for works on a tree, you will be required to provide the following details:

• A sketch map of the tree(s) location. This does not have to be to scale but demonstrating the distances between trees, boundaries, properties and relevant features is advised. Adjoining properties and roads should be included.
• The tree type and condition.
• The applicant and other parties’ interest in the tree.
• Description of the intended works and reasons for the works, showing which trees will be affected and the type of work which will be done on them. (Applicable when a tree is under protection of a Tree Preservation Order (TPO)).
• Any replacement trees which will be planted. (Applicable when a tree is under protection of a TPO).
• Picture of the tree you want to work on.

This must be detailed enough for us to understand the proposals.

Where trees are protected by a TPO you must include the reasons for work and where the trees are being felled. Followed by any proposals for planting replacement trees including the quantity, species, position and size, alternatively any reasons for not wanting to replant.

Certain types of work also need supporting information. For example, if you give the reason for work as being safety or damage to property you will need to give evidence of these problems.

Read the Planning Portal’s guidance about work on trees that are subject to a preservation order or in a conservation area [PDF]

Next steps

You can check the progress of your application on our online planning register. 

We will let you know the decision within 8 weeks (6 weeks for a Conservation Area tree). 

Notification of emergency tree works - Conservation areas and TPO protected trees

If you intend to undertake works to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) protected tree, or a tree within a Conservation Area, under an emergency exemption or 5-day notice, please notify the Council by emailing GCSP Planning Trees Planning.Trees@greatercambridgeplanning.org

To enable the Council to assess and record the notification, please provide the following information within the notification email:

• a sketch plan showing the location of the tree(s)
• the full site address
• details of the proposed tree work
• the reason for the works, including justification for the emergency exemption of 5-day notice.
• a tree condition survey or professional arboricultural statement supporting the need for the works
• contact details for the person undertaking or arranging the works
• photographs clearly identifying the tree(s)
• photographs showing the defect, conditions, or issue necessitating the works
• any additional supporting information that may assist us in understanding the proposed works.

Please note that the burden of proof rests with the person carrying out the work to demonstrate that the exemption applies. Providing clear and comprehensive information will help ensure that the notification can be assessed and recorded efficiently.

Woodland permissions

If you need to apply for permission to manage trees or woodlands speak to a specialist woodland consultant first. We can't visit your site before you apply. The consultant can see whether you need a Forestry Commission felling licence instead of a TPO application. 

Find a woodland consultant through the Institute of Chartered Foresters.